Component module for a reduced pressure treatment system

ABSTRACT

A connectable component module for a reduced pressure treatment system is provided. The module includes a housing with a rim, a recessed end surface, and an extension. A mounting assembly is fixed to the recessed end surface and includes extendable latches. The latches include a fastener bar that is flush with the rim when the latches are not extended. The module also generally includes a control system contained within the housing. The control system has a communication controller, a communication plug coupled to the communication controller and protruding through an aperture in the mounting assembly and recessed end, and a communication port coupled to the communication controller and exposed to an aperture in the extension.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/845,993, filed Sep. 19, 2006, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to tissue treatment systems andin particular to a component module for a reduced pressure treatmentsystem.

2. Description of Related Art

Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a reducedpressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and accelerates thegrowth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of thisphenomenon are numerous, but application of reduced pressure has beenparticularly successful in treating wounds. This treatment (frequentlyreferred to in the medical community as “negative pressure woundtherapy,” “reduced pressure therapy,” or “vacuum therapy”) provides anumber of benefits, including faster healing and increased formulationof granulation tissue. Typically, reduced pressure is applied to tissuethrough a porous pad or other manifold unit. The porous pad containscells or pores that are capable of distributing reduced pressure to thetissue and channeling fluids that are drawn from the tissue. The porouspad often is incorporated into a dressing having other components thatfacilitate treatment.

While existing reduced pressure treatment systems have enjoyed widecommercial and medical success, it would be advantageous to expand thefunctionality of these systems to provide a more comprehensive treatmentregimen.

A need exists, therefore, for an expandable reduced pressure treatmentsystem that allows component modules to be combined with the expandablereduced pressure treatment system and other modules to provideadditional treatment features and options.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The limitations of conventional reduced pressure treatment systems areimproved by the systems and methods of the present invention. Aconnectable component module for a reduced pressure treatment system isprovided in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Themodule generally includes a housing having a rim, a recessed endsurface, and an extension. A mounting assembly is fixed to the recessedend surface and includes an extendable first latch and an extendablesecond latch. The first latch and the second latch each include afastener bar that is substantially flush with the rim when the firstlatch and the second latch are not extended. A first aperture extendsthrough the mounting assembly and recessed end surface, and a secondaperture extends through the extension. The module also generallyincludes a control system contained within the housing. The controlsystem has a communication controller, such as a controller area networkcontroller, a communication plug coupled to the communication controllerand protruding through the first aperture, and a communication portcoupled to the communication controller and exposed to the secondaperture.

Also in accordance with the principles of the present invention, anexpandable reduced pressure treatment system is provided. The systemincludes a control system having a treatment controller and acommunication controller, such as a controller area network controller,a communication port coupled to the communication controller, and areduced pressure source coupled to the treatment controller. A manifoldunit is in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source. Aremovable component module is coupled to the control system through thecommunication port.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed descriptionthat follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reduced pressure treatment systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary control system of a reducedpressure control unit according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of acontrol unit that houses the control system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged partial cross-section view of a controlunit similar to the control unit of FIG. 3 along line 4-4;

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged partial cross-section view of a controlunit similar to the control unit of FIG. 3 along line 5-5;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a first end of a componentmodule according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second end of the componentmodule of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the first end of the componentmodule of FIG. 6 with extended latches;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the second end of the componentmodule of FIG. 6 with extended latches; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a communication plugof the component module of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferredembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments maybe utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, and electricalchanges may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in theart to practice the invention, the description may omit certaininformation known to those skilled in the art. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In the context of this specification, the term “reduced pressure”generally refers to a pressure less than the ambient pressure at atissue site that is being subjected to treatment. In most cases, thisreduced pressure will be less than the atmospheric pressure of thelocation at which the patient is located. Although the terms “vacuum”and “negative pressure” may be used to describe the pressure applied tothe tissue site, the actual pressure applied to the tissue site may besignificantly less than the pressure normally associated with a completevacuum. Consistent with this nomenclature, an increase in reducedpressure or vacuum pressure refers to a relative reduction of absolutepressure, while a decrease in reduced pressure or vacuum pressure refersto a relative increase of absolute pressure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reduced pressure treatment system 100according to the present invention. The reduced pressure treatmentsystem 100 comprises a dressing 110, which generally includes a manifoldunit that is applied to, or within, a tissue site 120 for treatment. Thedressing 110 is fluidly connected to a reduced pressure source 120 by aconduit 130. In certain embodiments, the reduced pressure source 120 maybe integrated with a reduced pressure control unit 140, as describedbelow, and the reduced pressure treatment system 100 may also include acanister 150 for collecting liquid and other non-gaseous exudatesextracted from the tissue site.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary control system 200 of thereduced pressure control unit 140. The control system 200 includes atreatment controller 202 and a graphical user interface (GUI) controller204. The treatment controller 202 may include one or more processors 206that execute software 208. The processor(s) 206 may be in communicationwith a memory 210 and input/output (I/O) unit 212. The software 208 maybe configured to control a number of different operations of the reducedpressure treatment system 100, such as controlling tissue treatment,monitoring sensors and generating alarms and performing communicationswith systems and devices external to the control unit 140 in conjunctionwith the I/O unit 212 and GUI controller 204. It should be understoodthat the software 208 may further be configured to perform differentand/or other functions.

The I/O unit 212 may enable the control system 200 to communicate withexternal modules, systems, and networks, for example. In one embodiment,the I/O unit 212 may operate in conjunction with a controller areanetwork (CAN) or modified CAN, as described further herein. Theprocessor 206 may further execute software to receive and process CANdata being received via the I/O unit 212.

A storage unit 214, such as a disk drive or storage medium, may be incommunication with the treatment controller 202. Databases 216 a-216 n(collectively 216) may be used to store treatment or other information.The databases may be configured as relational databases or otherwise.Other information, such as software, may be stored on the storage unit214.

The GUI controller 204 may include one or more processors 218 thatexecute software 220. The software 220 may be configured to generate agraphical user interface with which an operator, patient, technician, orother user may interface to control the system 100. The processor 218may be in communication with a memory 222, I/O unit 224, and displaydriver 226. The memory 222 may store current parameters associated withdisplaying the GUI. For example, if the GUI is being used to display aparticular screen shot, the screen shot may be stored in the memory 222.The I/O unit 224 may be used to interface with the treatment controller202 and other devices.

A display and touch screen assembly 228 may be connected to the GUIcontroller 204 and be used to display the GUI generated by the GUIcontroller 204. The screen 228 enables an operator to merely touch thescreen with his or her finger or stylus, as understood in the art, tointerface with the GUI. By providing a touch screen, inclusion of akeyboard or keypad may be avoided. However, it should be understood thatan external keyboard or keypad may be utilized in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. A backlight inverter 230 may beconnected to the GUI controller 204 and screen assembly 228.Alternatively, the backlight inverter 230 may be incorporated into thescreen assembly 228. In operation, the backlight inverter may enable thescreen assembly 228 to be inverted for different ambient lightingconditions. For example, a user of the system 100 may be treating apatient at night and use backlight inverter 230 to selectively turn onthe backlight of the screen assembly 228 so that he or she can see theGUI better. Alternatively, the backlight inverter may be used to turnthe light on the screen assembly 228 off at night to allow a patient tosleep in a darker environment.

A speaker 232 may be in communication with the GUI controller 204. Thespeaker may be used to provide sound notification to the user whenaction is required, or when an alarm condition has occurred.

A unified display interface (UDI) 234 may be utilized in accordance withthe principles of the present invention. The UDI 234 may be used as adigital video interface to assist with video presentation. In addition,a number of communication ports 236 may be provided to enable a user toconnect external devices to the control system 200. For example, theinput ports 236 may include a CAN port 236 a to enable the controlsystem 200 to interface with other treatment systems, memory card port236 b to enable a user to transport data from one device to another,universal serial bus (USB) port to enable an operator to connect devicesto the control system 200, such as printers, and Infrared DataAssociation (IrDA) port 236 d to enable a user to interface otherdevices configured with an IrDA port to the system. It should beunderstood that other communication ports currently available oravailable in the future may be utilized in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. For example, a communication portfor connecting to a local or wide area network may be provided to enablea user to connect the control system 200 to a network.

A controller area network is a communication bus that was originallydeveloped for automotive applications in the early 1980s. The CANprotocol was internationally standardized in 1993 as ISO 11898-1 andincludes a data link of the seven layer IOS/OSI reference model. CAN,which is now available from a large number of semiconductormanufacturers in hardware form, provides two communication services: (i)sending a message (data frame transmission) and (ii) requesting amessage (remote transmission request, RTR). All other services, such aserror signaling and automatic re-transmission of erroneous frames, areuser-transparent, which means that the CAN circuitry automaticallyperforms these services without the need for specific programming.

A CAN controller is comparable to a printer or typewriter. Language,grammar, and vocabulary is defined for a particular use. CAN provides amulti-master hierarchy that allows for building of intelligent andredundant systems. The use of CAN with the tissue treatment systemenables additional component modules, as described further herein, tooperate in conjunction with the system. The component modules mayoperate as nodes, where each node on the CAN receives messages anddecides whether a message is relevant. Data integrity is maintainedbecause all devices in the system receive the same information. CAN alsoprovides sophisticated error detection mechanisms and re-transmission offaulty messages.

In one embodiment, the language, grammar, and vocabulary may becustomized for the system so that only devices that have the samelanguage, grammar, and vocabulary can communicate with the system. Byoperating with such a customized or proprietary system, control over thequality of modules and devices that interface with the system may bemaintained.

Referring still to FIG. 2, in operation, the communication ports 236 maybe utilized to enable users to import or export data to and from thecontrol system 200. For example, patient information, treatmentinformation, and images associated with patient wounds may becommunicated over a communication port 236. Other information, includingsoftware updates, may be communicated over one or more communicationports 236.

A lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery 238 and DC socket 241 may be connected tothe therapy controller 202. An external adapter (not shown) may beconnected to a wall socket (not shown) to convert AC power to DC powerfor supplying DC power to the treatment controller 202 and otherelectrical components within the control system 200. If the externalpower should fail, then the Li-Ion battery 238 powers the control system200. Alternatively, should the control system 200 be used in a locationwithout power or be used in reliance on battery power, the Li-Ionbattery 238 provides power to the control system 200.

A manifold controller 240 may be connected to the treatment controller202 and be used to control various devices of the dressing 110 andreceive feedback information from sensors disposed on the dressing 110.The manifold controller 240 may communicate with the treatmentcontroller 202 while performing treatment. The manifold controller 240may include analog and digital circuitry (not shown) for communicatingwith the various devices on the dressing 110. In one embodiment, themanifold controller 240 may include one or more digital-to-analog (D/A)and analog-to-digital (A/D) converters (not shown) to enable digital andanalog signals to be passed between the various devices (e.g., sensors)on the dressing 110. Still yet, one or more amplifiers (not shown) maybe included with the manifold controller 240.

As shown, a number of transducers (i.e., sensors) and devices may beconnected to the manifold controller 240. A reduced pressure source,such as a vacuum pump 242, may be connected to the manifold controller240. A valve 244 and pump valve 246 may be connected to the manifoldcontroller 240 and used to control air being moved within the manifoldunit. A number of sensors may also be connected to the manifoldcontroller 240, including a flow sensor 248, ambient pressure sensor250, feedback pressure sensor 252, and pump pressure sensor 254. Thesesensors may be conventional airflow and pressure sensors as understoodin the art. A canister release button LED 256 may also be connected tothe manifold controller 240.

In operation, the manifold controller 240 may communicate signalsbetween the treatment controller 202 and devices coupled to the dressing110. In communicating the signals, the manifold controller 240 maycondition the signals by converting the signals between analog anddigital signals, amplify signals and amplify drive signals for thevacuum pump 242 and valves 244 and 246. In one embodiment, the manifoldcontroller 240 includes a processor (not shown) to perform localprocessing and control to offload some of the processing and control theprocessor 206 of the treatment controller 202.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a control unit300 that houses the control system 200. As FIG. 3 illustrates, thecontrol unit 300 includes a housing 305 having a shoulder 310 and anextension 315. The extension 315 includes an end surface 320, a firstridge 325, and a second ridge 330. The second ridge is generally locatedon the end surface 320 substantially opposite the first ridge 325. Thegeneral steps of the control unit 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 is anelliptic cylinder, but any geometric configuration that providessufficient interior capacity for the control system 200 and the reducedpressure source 120 is acceptable. The extension 315 includes anaperture 335, through which the CAN port 236 a is exposed to theexterior of the end surface 320.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-section view of a control unitsimilar to the control unit 300 along line 4-4. In particular, FIG. 4illustrates a partial housing 405 having a shoulder 410 and an extension415. The extension 415 includes an end surface 420, a first ridge 425,and a second ridge 430 substantially opposite the first ridge 425. Anaperture 435 extends from the exterior of the end surface 420 to theinterior of the housing 405.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-section view of a control unitsimilar to the control unit 300 along line 5-5. In particular, FIG. 5illustrates a partial housing 505 having a shoulder 510 and an extension515 with an end surface 520.

In any embodiment of the control unit, the housing may be manufacturedas separate components and subsequently assembled, or may bemanufactured as a single unit.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first end of an embodiment of acomponent module 600. The component module 600 may include a variety ofequipment that is useful for tissue treatment, including withoutlimitation a wound camera, cyclic/next generation skin stretching,capacitive volume and wound contour mapping, wound bed pH monitoring,wound warming/climate control, wound moisture and temperaturemonitoring, electrical stimulation, UV therapy, and wound healing markermeasurement. The component module 600 typically includes a controlsystem similar to the control system 200 described above. In particular,the component module 600 includes a CAN controller (not shown) and a CANport (see FIG. 7). The component module 600 also includes a CAN plug610, which protrudes through an aperture 615 and interfaces with the CANport 236 a of the control system 200. As FIG. 6 illustrates, thecomponent module 600 includes a housing 620 having a rim 625, a recessedend surface 630, and notches 632. The component module 600 furtherincludes a mounting assembly 635 fixed to the recessed end surface 630.The mounting assembly 635 includes a first latch 640 and a second latch645 that are positioned within the notches 632. The first latch and thesecond latch each have a fastener bar 650 that is substantially flushwith the rim 625 in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6. Thefastener bars 650 are configured to overlap the ridges on other modulesor on a control unit, such as ridges 425 and 430 illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second end of the component module 600illustrated in FIG. 6. This perspective view illustrates a configurationthat is substantially similar to the configuration of the control unit300 described above with reference to FIGS. 3-5, so that additionalcomponent modules may be connected in a chain or series as needed toexpand the functionality of a reduced pressure treatment system. Inparticular, the component module 600 includes the outer surface 620having a shoulder 705, an extension 710 fixed to the shoulder, and anend surface 715. The extension 710 further includes a first ridge 720and a second ridge 725, which is generally located opposite the firstridge 720, and an aperture 730, through which a CAN port may be exposedto the exterior of the end surface 715.

Referring to FIG. 8 for illustration, the first latch 630 and the secondlatch 635 may be extended to mount the component module 600 to a controlunit or another component module. In alternate embodiments, the firstlatch 630, the second latch 635, or both may be rotated about a pin sothat only the fastener bar of the latch is extended. Extending themounting assembly 625 allows the fastener bars 650 to be placed over theridges on another component module or control unit, and then collapsedonto the extension to secure the component module 600.

FIG. 9 illustrates the second end of the component module 600 shown inFIG. 7, with the first latch 630 extended.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a CAN plug610. In this embodiment, the CAN plug 610 consists of a plurality of pinconnectors that align with corresponding plate connectors in a CAN port.Each pin connector may be wired as desired to a control system within acomponent module.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention havingsignificant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shownin only a few of its forms, it is not so limited and is susceptible tovarious changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof.

1. A reduced pressure treatment component module comprising: asubstantially elliptic cylindrical housing having a rim, a recessed endsurface, and an extension; a mounting assembly fixed to the recessed endsurface, the mounting assembly comprising an extendable first latch andan extendable second latch, wherein the first latch and the second latcheach comprise a fastener bar that is substantially flush with the rimwhen the first latch and the second latch are not extended; a firstaperture through the mounting assembly and recessed end surface; asecond aperture through the extension; a control system contained withinthe housing, the control system having a communication controller; acommunication plug coupled to the communication controller andprotruding through the first aperture; and a communication port coupledto the communication controller and exposed to the second aperture. 2.The module according to claim 1, wherein the communication controller isa controller area network controller.
 3. The module according to claim1, wherein the extension comprises a first ridge and a second ridgeopposite the first ridge.
 4. The module according to claim 1, whereinthe second latch pivots about an axis to extend the fastener bar.
 5. Areduced pressure treatment system, comprising: a control system having atreatment controller and a communication controller; a communicationport coupled to the communication controller; a reduced pressure sourcecoupled to the treatment controller; a manifold unit in fluidcommunication with the reduced pressure source; a removable componentmodule coupled to the control system through the communication port; afirst housing that encloses the control system, the first housingcomprising a shoulder and an extension surface; a second housing thatenclosed the component module, the second housing comprising a rim and arecessed end surface; a mounting assembly having a latch; a firstaperture through the mounting assembly and recessed end surface; and asecond aperture through which the communication port is exposed to theextension surface, the second aperture aligned with the first aperture;wherein the recessed end surface receives the extension surface and thelatch fastens to the extension surface to secure the second housing tothe first housing.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the extensionsurface comprises a ridge and the latch fastens to the ridge to securethe second housing to the first housing.
 7. The system of claim 5,wherein the extension surface comprises a ridge and the latch comprisesa fastener bar that overlaps the ridge to secure the second housing tothe first housing.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the extensionsurface comprises a first ridge and a second ridge, and the mountingassembly comprises a first fastener bar and a second fastener bar thatoverlap the first right and the second ridge to secure the secondhousing to the first housing.
 9. The system of claim 5, wherein thefirst housing and second housing are substantially elliptic cylinders.10. A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising: a control systemhaving a treatment controller and a communication controller; acommunication port coupled to the communication controller; a reducedpressure source coupled to the treatment controller; a manifold unit influid communication with the reduced pressure source; and a removablecomponent module coupled to the control system through the communicationport; wherein the communication controller is a controller area networkcontroller.
 11. A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising: acontrol system having a treatment controller and a communicationcontroller; a communication port coupled to the communicationcontroller; a reduced pressure source coupled to the treatmentcontroller; a manifold unit in fluid communication with the reducedpressure source; and a removable component module coupled to the controlsystem through the communication port; wherein the component module is awound camera.
 12. A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising: acontrol system having a treatment controller and a communicationcontroller; a communication port coupled to the communicationcontroller; a reduced pressure source coupled to the treatmentcontroller; a manifold unit in fluid communication with the reducedpressure source; and a removable component module coupled to the controlsystem through the communication port; wherein the component module is acyclic skin stretcher.
 13. A reduced pressure treatment system,comprising: a control system having a treatment controller and acommunication controller; a communication port coupled to thecommunication controller; a reduced pressure source coupled to thetreatment controller; a manifold unit in fluid communication with thereduced pressure source; and a removable component module coupled to thecontrol system through the communication port; wherein the componentmodule is a capacitive volume and wound contour mapping module.
 14. Areduced pressure treatment system, comprising: a control system having atreatment controller and a communication controller; a communicationport coupled to the communication controller; a reduced pressure sourcecoupled to the treatment controller; a manifold unit in fluidcommunication with the reduced pressure source; and a removablecomponent module coupled to the control system through the communicationport; wherein the component module is a wound bed pH monitor.
 15. Areduced pressure treatment system, comprising: a control system having atreatment controller and a communication controller; a communicationport coupled to the communication controller; a reduced pressure sourcecoupled to the treatment controller; a manifold unit in fluidcommunication with the reduced pressure source; and a removablecomponent module coupled to the control system through the communicationport; wherein the component module is a wound climate control module.16. A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising: a control systemhaving a treatment controller and a communication controller; acommunication port coupled to the communication controller; a reducedpressure source coupled to the treatment controller; a manifold unit influid communication with the reduced pressure source; and a removablecomponent module coupled to the control system through the communicationport; wherein the component module is a wound moisture and temperaturemonitor.
 17. A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising: a controlsystem having a treatment controller and a communication controller; acommunication port coupled to the communication controller; a reducedpressure source coupled to the treatment controller; a manifold unit influid communication with the reduced pressure source; and a removablecomponent module coupled to the control system through the communicationport; wherein the component module is an electrical stimulation module.18. A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising: a control systemhaving a treatment controller and a communication controller; acommunication port coupled to the communication controller; a reducedpressure source coupled to the treatment controller; a manifold unit influid communication with the reduced pressure source; and a removablecomponent module coupled to the control system through the communicationport; wherein the component module is an ultraviolet therapy module. 19.A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising: a control system havinga treatment controller and a communication controller; a communicationport coupled to the communication controller; a reduced pressure sourcecoupled to the treatment controller; a manifold unit in fluidcommunication with the reduced pressure source; and a removablecomponent module coupled to the control system through the communicationport; wherein the component module is a wound healing marker measurementmodule.